Theme: Bold Steps, Shared Future – Building the DFRC of Tomorrow

From 26th – 27th June 2025, the SADC-DFRC convened the region’s foremost development finance leaders for the SADC DFI CEOs Forum in Gaborone, Botswana.

Set against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and regional transformation, the Forum underscored the urgency for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to act with purpose, unity, and boldness.

Key Takeaways:

The need for a coherent, coordinated regional development agenda led by DFIs has never been more critical.

The DFRC’s new Strategy is anchored on:

• Financial Sustainability
• High-Performance Culture
• Expanding Regional Impact
• Smart Partnerships

Sessions highlighted the importance of financing cross-border infrastructure, championing policy alignment, and unlocking local capital to reduce reliance on external systems.

DFIs must be catalysts for resilience, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in the SADC region.

This Forum provided more than dialogue, it was a space to forge smart partnerships, renew our shared commitment, and inspire action toward a prosperous, integrated Southern Africa.

To all participants, speakers, partners, sponsors, and supporters: Thank you. Your energy, insights, and collaboration have set the tone for the future we are building together. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Next stop: Luanda, Angola